Which of the following best describes the impact of telecommuting on energy consumption?

Telecommuting is often associated with a decrease in energy consumption due to several factors. When employees work from home, the energy used in commuting, such as fuel for vehicles or public transportation, is reduced significantly. This decline in travel not only lessens fuel consumption but also diminishes the overall carbon footprint associated with daily commutes.

Furthermore, the energy used in office buildings—such as lighting, heating, and cooling—can also be reduced. With fewer employees in the workplace, organizations may require less energy to operate their facilities during business hours. Additionally, employees may not use as much energy at home as they would in a larger office setting, particularly when considering the energy required to run large office equipment or maintain shared office spaces.

While telecommuting can result in shifts in energy consumption patterns, the overall trend indicates a net decrease in energy usage when commuting and office energy usage are taken into account. Consequently, this impact aligns with the assertion that telecommuting contributes to energy consumption reduction.